I know this isn't the right forum but what do you think of an Expobar Office Semi Automatic? I can get one for $500 and I'm wondering if it's a good upgrade from my silvia. I'm mainly looking for Temp stability and good steam since I only make lattes.

Well, you're right, in that you should ask in the Espresso Machines forum, but since we're here . . .

Expobar is an interesting company. Their various models and upgrades (I through, now, IV) of the Brewtus get a lot of love and have a strong following/clientele, but the machines "lower down" in their lineup . . . not so much. I say this from personal experience, and I am not the only one.

Now, are their "lesser" machines useless? hopeless? a complete waste of time and money? No, probably not. I'm sure some people have had success using them. But they do suffer (or at least have suffered) from build-quality issues. So I'd pass . . .

I know you think the Rocky is fine and your problem is with the Silvia -- no matter what the rest of us are telling you. OK. Fine. It is counter-intuitive to think the (relatively inexpensive) grinder is more important than the (relatively expensive) machine . . . after all, grinders top out at (approximately) $3000 for a Mazzer Robur-E 3-phase, while espresso machines can easily exceed $10,000! But I would urge you to take one step at a time. Get the Baratza Vario, use it with the Silvia. You will see a marked improvement in your espresso. But, yes, eventually you will probably want to upgrade your machine, too.

Yea I get that the grinder is more important which is why I plan on buying a new grinder first. But either way, I'll have to upgrade my silvia, whether that's now or in 6 months. I don't have a PID, so the temperature flexibility really pisses me off sometimes. I'm just looking for something that can keep it's temperature, and I figure if I pair that with a good grinder like a Vario, I'll be set for a very very long time.

Yes, if you're referring to the 4 M's I understand the espresso machine is the least of my concern. However I'm already upgrading my grinder, I only buy award winning beans roasted 2 days prior, and I use a gram scale and consistent tamping method to minimize personal error. The biggest variable as of right now is the damn temperature. If I do everything right, my shot can still come out sour or bitter depending on a few degrees of temp.

Now, presuming that you are keeping your name but not your age a secret, you are only 17, so there is a part of me that wants to urge patience.

OTOH, there was a serious reason that I suggested you read THIS was so that you would have an understanding of the various types of machines out there, their strengths and weaknesses. Because you are/seem to be so focused on the precise temperature -- something I am not -- I would recommend to you that EITHER keep your Silvia (SBDU) and retrofit it with a PID, OR look to buy a PID-equipped DB. If you have an SBDU w/PID, you can maintain a (relatively) precise temperature. If you have DB with a PID on the brew boiler, same thing.

Normally I would point out that there is no difference in the cup between an HX and a DB in terms of the quality of espresso, but in your case, I believe you'd be far happier with a DB than anything else.

I skimmed some of the articles, I have finals next week but I bookmarked them and I indent to read them through soon.

I taste all my shots before adding the milk, once in awhile a perfect espresso comes out. Syrupy, sweet, and balanced. When I add properly steamed milk, it turns into the best latte ever. But when I pull a sour or bitter shot, I can taste it through the milk and it isn't pleasant.

And award wining meaning Vivance, Klatch, Verve, Equator, ect. I freeze my beans asap, and use up every thawed package in 3 days so generally freshness isn't a problem.

Maybe you should be studying for your finals instead of which machine to upgrade to? I have to second Jason's comments...well, at least the last 4 or 5 posts of his. What's your rush anyways? Before you say the water temp is the big problem in your life, why don't you at least try your new grinder before jumping to conclusions? I mean, now that you've finally grasped the concept everyone has been trying desparately to drive into your head.

.Always remember the most important thing is what ends up in your cup!

As fate would have it, I do have a Rocky and a BV ( Preciso - close??) and a Silvia. The Bratza is a far better grinder than the Rocky IMHO for much less. I mean the Rocky is great given its age, but the newer grinders far exceed it. as for upgrading machines, got that angle covered, too. :) My new Brewtus iV just got unboxed. Have pulled about a dozen shots - all near perfect or perfect. No temp surfing etc. I would NEVER buy a non-PID machine again. Ever. Never ever.

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